Dia del Nino

What the heck is Dia del Nino (Spanish for The Nino, for all you Chris Farley fans)? It is a national holiday here in Honduras where you celebrate being a kid. Brilliant! Another opportunity for fried food and sugary treats! I had to do nothing since I teach the older kids (7th- 11th grade) but, Emily had to take off the afternoon and throw a party for her class…cakes, sodas, chips…so it was pretty much like every other day. (Apparently you once you pass the 6th grade you are officially cut off from kids day). These kids eat and drink nothing but junk food! I think it would be better for these kids to just get an IV filled with sugar because it would be more efficient….no time for digestion, the sugar goes directly to the blood. So anyway, Emily learned from our landlord (whose son is in her class) that she would be required to organize the party, delegate which student would bring what, and host the two hour party. Oh, and Emily found this out 2 days in advance. Fortunately, she pulled it off…well sort of! She managed to have another teacher help write a letter in Spanish to send home with the children indicating what each student was responsible for bringing. I would say about 75% of the children managed to bring their assigned goods - piñatas, sandwiches, churros, ice cream, catrachitas (fried corn tortillas with a smear of beans and a sprinkle of cheese), cups, plates, spoons, etc. Once the party began, complete chaos broke out (What´s new?) It worked out for Emily because the kids ended up entertaining themselves. Really, she was just responsible for distributing the food and beverages, and working the piñata (Poor Sponge Bob didn´t even see it coming! See photo.) Two hours later, the final bell sounded and Emily would no longer be responsible for the kids and their sugar highs (or crashes)! Apparently redemption is near, as we learned that National Teacher´s Day is Monday, September 17!

We also found out that late notices to parents or students (telling them the day before or the day of that they have a meeting, or their kids have to bring something to school etc.) is a typical and planned course of action here. One example (although I have man) - The teachers found out on Monday that we would be having school on Thursday (originally we were supposed to have it off for their independence day, but since we missed two days for Felix, they made us go). The teachers knew all week, but it wasn´t until Wednesday afternoon that a note was sent home to parents informing them there would in fact be school the following day. Sorry if you had vacation planned for the long weekend, your kids have to come to school. Apparently this practice is effective though, as all of Emily´s 4th grade students (32 total) were present on Thursday!

Have a great weekend! We know we will as we are off from school Friday and Monday! =)
Again, thank you all for your support and prayers. The Lord is definitely present in this place! God Bless You!

Oh...and GO BUCKEYES!